Catching Up with Christina Gilbert

Former Jackrabbit Christina Gilbert took time from her busy schedule as UMKC's women's basketball director of operations to visit with GoJacks.com.

What have you been doing since graduating from South Dakota State?

"I spent a good portion of my first five years out of college attending everyone's and their mother's weddings, but it always got me traveling. I've got old teammates and college friends who live all over the U.S. and I never need an excuse to hop in my car or snag a flight to visit. Outside of that I made my way back to Minnesota for a good portion of my 20s and have since moved to Kansas City."

How did SDSU prepare you for all that?

"SDSU not only gave me a degree in graphic design, which I still tap into every now and again, but also the teammates and the friends I made during my time in Brookings are still some of my best friends to this day."

You are just down the road from SDSU. What do you think about Jackrabbits and the 'Roos meeting again on the hardwood in the future?

"That's a good question! The last time the Roos met the Jacks was in the Summit League Championship in 2012. SDSU won 78-77. I remember practically having a heart attack watching that game at home. I'd love the opportunity to step foot in Frost Arena again on a women's basketball team. It would definitely be tough to be on the visiting bench, but I'd love for our girls at UMKC to experience the culture and the atmosphere that is Jackrabbit Nation!"

What's the best and most challenging part of being a director of basketball operations for a women's basketball team?

"The best part of being a director of ops is getting to impact young women. Being able to share my experiences with them both on and off the court and helping to prepare them for the real world that lies ahead is something I take a lot of pride in.

"On the other hand, the most challenging part for me was realizing that not every women's program has a fan base and a support system like SDSU. In Kansas City we're competing with the likes of the Royals, the Chiefs, KU, Mizzou and K-State. I would give anything for our girls to experience what I did in Frost Arena with the atmosphere and fan support that the Jackrabbits have. For now though, we continue to build and hope to be at that level one day!"

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to working in athletics?

"Honestly, that's something I'm still trying to determine myself. I really enjoy operations and could see myself as an associate AD for operations down the road. On the other hand, I do love marketing and social media, so sports information could be a path for me as well. Only time will tell."

You are involved with the Women's Leaders in College Sports. Why is this organization important to you?

"Wow, this organization has been a lifesaver! Women Leaders in College Sports, formerly NACWAA, is an organization based out of Kansas City. They are literally right down the road from our campus. Even before moving to Kansas City they were an organization I wanted to be a part of. As a female and a female in sports you really can't ask to be surrounded by a better group of people. They're dedicated to empowering, developing and advancing the success of women working in college sports and beyond. They take a proactive role in advancing women into positions of influence and powerfully shaping the landscape of women leaders. Every time I leave their office or one of their events I am inspired to continue the journey in athletics and help all of those around me reach their dreams."

What are some of the gameday traditions you enjoyed and miss when you played for the Jackrabbits?

"This list is endless, but the first thing that comes to mind was our pregame roll calls. We had some really good ones … and some really bad ones, but that's what made them so great. They got us hyped up for the game and showed off our personalities. One of the greatest of all time though is the game-day experience against USD. People lined up in the freezing cold in the middle of the morning just to snag a good seat when the doors opened at 5 p.m. What came along with that were the cowbells, and well, let's just say we need more cowbell!"

What's your favorite memory of SDSU basketball?

"I think this one gets used a lot with our group, but it's the shot heard 'round the world. Cizek for three, Cizek for three, Cizek for three! I'll never forget Scotty Kwas screaming that in the replay. I get chills just thinking about it. That shot tied the semifinal game against Bentley in the 2003 Elite Eight Tournament. We went on to win that game in overtime and then beat Northern Kentucky to win the national championship. Seriously, one of the best days of my life!"

For more information on the South Dakota State women's basketball team, follow the Jackrabbits on Twitter (@GoJacksWBB) or like South Dakota State women's basketball on Facebook.

-GoJacks.com-

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Completed Event: Women's Basketball at No. 2 [#3/3] UConn on March 24, 2025 , Loss , 57, to, 91

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Completed Event: Women's Basketball versus St. Thomas on March 1, 2025 , Win , 79, to, 46

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Catching Up with Christina Gilbert

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